tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12550009774586008372024-02-08T13:26:04.931+01:00BeeLikeJ's LibraryMy bookreviews and fanficrecommendations. You are welcome to comment. Please read the notes in the sidebar below! BeeLikeJ@gmail.comBeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-92033664987784153872020-12-30T10:27:00.000+01:002010-02-03T12:39:26.732+01:00The big link postFor those who care more about fiction published on paper: <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/search/label/book">a quick link to all my posts about books!</a><br /><br />For an explanation of fandom and our language, go <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/01/who-whatting-how-with-what.html">here</a>! <br /><br />This post is for those who already speak fangirl: it has shiny links to my favorite fandom hangouts <i>(bookmarks)</i> and recommended stories <i>(recs)</i>. Plus as a bonus: pictures of the happy couples to illustrate the squee:)<br /><br /><a name="Buffy"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Buffy The Vampire Slayer (and Angel)</span></a><br />I was introduced to fanfiction by the BBC-messageboard on Buffy The Vampire Slayer; my first slash pairing was Angel/Spike. I love them even more when Buffy is in the mix. And the best part? It's totally canon. Thank you, Joss.<br /><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/01/missing-link.html">Buffy-recs</a> & <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/03/blog-post.html">Buffy-bookmarks</a> & <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/12/fandom-picturepost.html#Buffy">Picture of Angel & Spike!</a><br /><br /><a name="NickGreg"><span style="font-weight:bold;">CSI: Crime Scene Investigation</span></a><br />But it wasn't until after I discovered the CSI-fandom that I really got into fanfiction. I'm a big fan of Nick/Greg (my OTP), because of the subtext-chemistry in canon (I'm a believer!). I also enjoy Nick/Gil and Greg/Gil and even Nick/Gil/Greg (OT3!). Smart guys are such a turn on:) <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/12/recommendations-csi-nick-greg.html">CSI-recs</a> & <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/03/bookmarks-csi-las-vegas.html">CSI-bookmarks</a> & <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/12/fandom-picturepost.html#NickGreg">Picture of Nick & Greg</a><br /><br /><a name="Potter"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Harry Potter</span></a><br />I used to think books didn't need an addition, since we can already read what the characters are thinking. But when I found Harry Potter fanfiction I learned there is a lot more to tell about Remus/Sirius. <br /><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/01/missing-link.html">Potter-recs</a> & <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/01/missing-link.html">Potter-bookmarks</a> & <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/12/fandom-picturepost.html#Potter">Picture of Remus & Sirius!</a><br /><br /><a name="Hornblower"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hornblower</span></a><br />I love rule 34! After watching miniseries Hornblower I just <i>knew</i> there had to be fanfiction about Mr. Hornblower and Mr. Kennedy (with or without Capt. Pellew;). <br /><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/01/missing-link.html">Hornblower-recs</a> & <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/01/missing-link.html">Hornblower-bookmarks</a> & <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/12/fandom-picturepost.html#Hornblower">Picture of Horatio Hornblower & Archie Kennedy!</a><br /><br /><a name="J2"><span style="font-weight:bold;">RPS: J2</span></a><br />Most recently I crossed another line: RPS (real person slash). I had secretely read some CSI-RPS before, but always felt a little dirty. Not so much when I discovered CW-fanfic. I'm especially a fan of Jensen/Jared (J2). <br /><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/03/recommendations-cw-rps-j2.html">J2-recs</a> & <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/01/missing-link.html">J2-bookmarks</a> & <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/12/fandom-picturepost.html#J2">Picture of Jared & Jensen!</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Random fandom</span><br />Occasionally I try other fandoms. Here are a couple I liked: (Links to recs)<br /><li>Due South: Fraser/Ray Kowalski</li><li>Bad Wolf On Campus: Merton/Tommy</li><li>The Forsaken: Desert Vampires <a href="http://carolinecrane.livejournal.com/tag/fic:+forsaken">Nick/Sean</a> (rare fandom for obscure vampire-movie with Kerr Smith and Brendan Fehr, who also star in RPS-fic;)</li><li>Doctor Who: Mickey/Jake</li>BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-77286935168560504002020-05-17T14:44:00.002+02:002011-04-17T15:01:13.225+02:00Books Books Books<span style="font-weight:bold;">Links to all my bookreviews (and bookbabbles)</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"I don't get your crazy system."</span> - My system? It's called the alphabet.<br />- <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/12/books-books-books.html#Author">By author</a> <br />- <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/12/books-books-books.html#Title">By title</a><br /><br /><a name="Author"><b>REVIEWS LISTED by AUTHOR</b></a><br /><i>All reviews are in English. Titles of books are in original language and in Dutch (if read in translation) plus -if available- in English. Outside links to my bookcommunity are indicated with a *.</i><br /><br /><b>A</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/book-call-me-by-your-name-andr-aciman.html">Aciman, André - Call Me By Your Name</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-five-people-you-meet-in-heaven.html">Albom, Mitch - The Five People You Meet in Heaven</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-tuesdays-with-morrie-mitch-albom.html">Albom, Mitch - Tuesdays With Morrie</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-bad-girls-of-pulpfiction.html">Armstrong, Nancy - Bad Girls Of Pulpfiction</a></li><br /><br /><b>B</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-bruiloft-zonder-bruidspaar.html">Bakker, Gerbrand - Bruiloft Zonder Bruidspaar</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-wall-and-piece-banksy.html">Banksy - Wall and Piece</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-anything-goes-john-barrowman.html">Barrowman, John - Anything Goes</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-i-am-what-i-am-john-barrowman.html">Barrowman, John - I Am What I Am</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/b-for-books-four-quick-reviews.html#Niemand">Benali, Abdelkader - De Grammatica Van Een Niemand</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-hersenschimmen-j-bernlef.html">Bernlef, J. - Hersenschimmen (Out Of Mind)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-de-pianoman-by-bernlef.html">Bernlef, J. - De Pianoman</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-sneeuw-j-bernlef.html">Bernlef, J. - Sneeuw (Snow)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/bookbabble-in-absence-of-men-vs.html">Besson, Philippe - En l'absence des hommes (Bij Afwezigheid Van Mannen / In Absence Of Men)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/06/book-son-frre-by-philippe-besson.html">Besson, Philippe - Son Frère (Zijn Broer / His Brother)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-slimme-vrouwen-smart-women-ten.html">Boccaccio, Giovanni - Slimme Vrouwen, Tien Verhalen Uit Decamerone</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-dwaalsporen-jacques-brooijmans.html">Brooijmans, Jacques - Dwaalsporen</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/b-for-books-3-recommendations-1-not-so.html#LiefsteVer">Brouwers, Jeroen - Liefste In De Verte</a></li><br /><br /><b>C</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-breaktimedance-on-my-grave-aidan.html">Chambers, Aidan - Breaktime</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/06/book-dance-on-my-grave-by-aidan.html">Chambers, Aidan - Dance On My Grave (Je Moet Dansen Op M'n Graf)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-now-i-know-toll-bridge-aidan.html">Chambers, Aidan - Now I Know</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-postcards-from-no-mans-land-aidan.html">Chambers, Aidan - Postcards From No Man's Land</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-this-is-all-aidan-chambers.html">Chambers, Aidan - This Is All</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-now-i-know-toll-bridge-aidan.html#TollBridge">Chambers, Aidan - The Toll Bridge</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/03/book-you-remind-me-of-me-by-dan-chaon.html">Chaon, Dan - You Remind Me Of Me</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-40-days-and-40-nights-matthew.html">Chapman, Matthew - 40 Days and 40 Nights</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/bookbabble-comparing-cicero-and-stephen.html">Cicero - De Oratore</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/03/quick-reviews-nilgun-yerli-hugo-claus.html#SlaapW">Claus, Hugo - Een Slaapwandeling</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/03/quick-reviews-nilgun-yerli-hugo-claus.html#ZwaarV">Claus, Hugo - De Zwaardvis</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-veronika-decides-to-die-paulo.html">Coelho, Paulo - Veronika Decide Morrer (Veronika Decides To Die)</a></li><br /><br /><b>D</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/09/10-word-reviews-grass-is-always-greener.html#Bruid">Dantzig, Rudi van - De Bruid Staat Rechts Van U</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-descent-of-man-charles-darwin.html">Darwin, Charles - The Descent Of Man</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-origin-of-species-charles-darwin.html">Darwin, Charles - The Origin Of Species</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-devils-chaplain-richard-dawkins.html">Dawkins, Richard - A Devil's Chaplain</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-god-delusion-richard-dawkins.html">Dawkins, Richard - The God Delusion</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-greatest-show-on-earth-richard.html">Dawkins, Richard - The Greatest Show On Earth</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/06/10-word-reviews-about-humans-and-other.html#Piep">Dekkers, Midas - Piep</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/05/quick-review-laat-me-niet-alleen-renate.html">Dorrestein, Renate - Laat Me Niet Alleen</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/06/3-books-by-tonke-dragt.html#BriefKoning">Dragt, Tonke - De Brief Voor De Koning</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/06/3-books-by-tonke-dragt.html#WildeWoud">Dragt, Tonke - Geheimen Van Het Wilde Woud</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/06/3-books-by-tonke-dragt.html#Tweelingbroers">Dragt, Tonke - Verhalen Van De Tweelingbroers</a></li><br /><br /><b>E</b><br /><li><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/thej2bee/tag/sync-read: ahwosg">Eggers, David - A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius</a><i>*(synchronized reading per chapter)</i></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-wild-things-david-eggers.html">Eggers, David - The Wild Things</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-mill-on-floss-george-eliot.html">Eliot, George - The Mill On The Floss</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-womans-touch.html#Weather">Enright, Anne - Yesterday's Weather</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/book-red-carpets-and-other-banana-skins.html">Everett, Rupert - Red Carpets And Other Banana Skins</a></li><br /><br /><b>F</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-happiness-will-ferguson.html">Ferguson, Will - Happiness™</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/03/comic-fokke-sukke-het-afzien-van-2009.html">Fokke & Sukke - Het Afzien Van 2009</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-dash-dingo-in-search-of-tasmanian.html">Ford, Catt & Kennedy, Sean - Dash & Dingo In Search Of The Tasmanian Tiger</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/bookbabble-comparing-cicero-and-stephen.html">Fry, Stephen - The Ode Less Traveled</a></li><br /><br /><b>G</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-good-omens-terry-pratchett-neil.html">Gaiman, Neil & Pratchett, Terry - Good Omens</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/02/booktodd-harris-goldman-girls-are.html">Goldman, Todd Harris - Girls Are Weirdos (but they smell pretty)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-boy-germain-greer.html">Greer, Germaine - The Boy</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-female-eunuch-germaine-greer.html">Greer, Germaine - The Female Eunuch</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/b-for-books-3-recommendations-1-not-so.html#LiefdeLaat">Glastra Van Loon, Karel - De Liefde Komt Altijd Te Laat</a></li><br /><br /><b>H</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/10-word-reviews-how-do-you-like-them.html#Oeroeg">Haasse, Hella S. - Oeroeg</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-vlammen-hans-hagen.html">Hagen, Hans - Vlammen</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-boy-james-hanley.html">Hanley, James - Boy</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-het-aquarium-van-walter-huijsmans.html">Haring, Bas - Het Aquarium van Walter Huijsmans</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-for-successful-life.html">Haring, Bas - Voor Een Succesvol Leven (For A Successful Life)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-de-revue-kees-t-hart.html">Hart, Kees 't - De Revue</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-het-dovemansorendieet-maarten-t.html">Hart, Maarten 't - Het Dovemansorendieet</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/bookbabble-in-absence-of-men-vs.html">Hartinger, Brent - Geography Club</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/03/book-de-tuin-der-onschuldigen-kristien.html">Hemmerechts, Kristien - De Tuin Der Onschuldigen</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-gospel-of-flying-spaghetti-monster.html">Henderson, Bobby - The Gospel Of The Flying Spaghetti Monster</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-metamagical-themas-douglas-r.html">Hofstadter, Douglas R. - Metamagical Themas</a>; <i>reviews by chapter:</i> <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-metamagical-themas-douglas-r.html#Science">Science</a>, <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-metamagical-themas-douglas-r.html#Numbers">Numbers</a>, <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-metamagical-themas-douglas-r.html#Sexism">Default sexism</a></li><br /><br /><b>I</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-last-night-at-twisted-river-john.html">Irving, John - Last Night At Twisted River</a></li><br /><br /><b>J</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-alle-verhalen-arthur-japin.html">Japin, Arthur - Alle Verhalen</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-we-believe-glory-of.html#Sneeuwklank">Japin, Arthur - De Klank Van Sneeuw</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-een-schitterend-gebrek-arthur.html">Japin, Arthur - Een Schitterend Gebrek</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-zoals-dat-gaat-met-wonderen-arthur.html">Japin, Arthur - Zoals Dat Gaat Met Wonderen</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-de-zwarte-met-het-witte-hart.html">Japin, Arthur - De Zwarte Met Het Witte Hart</a></li><br /><br /><b>K</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-mystiek-lichaam-frans-kellendonk.html">Kellendonk, Frans - Mystiek Lichaam</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-dash-dingo-in-search-of-tasmanian.html">Kennedy, Sean & Ford, Catt - Dash & Dingo In Search Of The Tasmanian Tiger</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-tigers-and-devils-sean-kennedy.html">Kennedy, Sean - Tigers And Devils</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-wings-of-equity-sean-kennedy.html">Kennedy, Sean - Wings Of Equity</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-majas-morsas-kompis-sambo-katarina.html">Kieri, Katarina - Majas Morsas Kompis Sambo (De Vriend van de Vriendin van de Moeder van Maja)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/06/10-word-reviews-about-humans-and-other.html#Vlinders">Krabbé, Tim - Een Tafel Vol Vlinders</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/b-for-books-3-recommendations-1-not-so.html#Mannenwerk">Kronenberg, Yvonne - Mannenwerk</a><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/02/book-book-of-everything-guus-kuijer.html">Kuijer, Guus - Het Boek Van Alle Dingen (The Book Of Everything)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-tin-toeval-guus-kuijer.html">Kuijer, Guus - Tin Toeval</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/bookplay-angels-in-america-tony-kushner.html">Kushner, Tony- Angels In America</a></li><br /><br /><b>L</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-we-believe-glory-of.html#Wind">Lawrence, Jerome & Lee, Robert E. - Inherit The Wind</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-female-chauvinist-pigs-ariel-levy.html">Levy, Ariel - Female Chauvinist Pigs</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/bookbabbles-cartoony-comedy-to-feed.html#Loesje">Loesje - Heb Je In Je Hoofd Nog Ruimte Voor Waanzinnige Plannen</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/06/10-word-reviews-about-humans-and-other.html#JustInCase">Loesje - Ik Heb Altijd Een Roos Klaar Staan Op Het Balkon,<br />Voor Het Geval Dat</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-dolfje-weerwolfje-paul-van-loon.html">Loon, Paul van - Dolfje Weerwolfje (Alfie The WereWolf)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-het-zijn-net-mensen-joris.html">Luyendijk, Joris - Het Zijn Net Mensen</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-een-tipje-van-de-sluier-joris.html">Luyendijk, Joris - Een Tipje Van De Sluier</a></li><br /><br /><b>M</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/05/book-rik-mayall-bigger-than-hitler.html">Mayall, The Rik - Bigger Than Hitler, Better Than Christ</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-emperors-children-claire-messud.html">Messud, Claire - The Emperor's Children</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-black-swan-green.html">Mitchell, David - Black Swan Green</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/bookbabbles-cartoony-comedy-to-feed.html#Chocola">Monkton, Edward - The Lady And The Chocolate</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-de-verdronkene-by-margriet.html">Moor, Margriet de - De Verdronkene</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/03/book-two-women-harry-mulisch.html">Mulisch, Harry - Twee Vrouwen (Two Women)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-we-believe-glory-of.html#xkcd">Munroe, Randall - xkcd: vol O</a></li><br /><br /><b>N</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-her-fearful-symmetry-audrey.html">Niffenegger, Audrey - Her Fearful Symmetry</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-three-incestuous-sisters-audrey.html">Niffenegger, Audrey - The Three Incestuous Sisters - Audrey Niffenegger </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/03/book-time-travelers-wife-by-audrey.html">Niffenegger, Audrey - The Time Traveler's Wife</a></li><br /><br /><b>O</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/09/books-death-note-tsugumi-ohba-writer.html">Ohba, Tsugumi (writer) & Obata, Takeshi (artist) - Death Note</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-mees-kees-in-de-gloria-mirjam.html">Oldenhave, Mirjam - Mees Kees in de Gloria</a></li><br /><br /><b>P</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-good-omens-terry-pratchett-neil.html">Pratchett, Terry & Gaiman, Neil - Good Omens</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/books-his-dark-materials-etc-philip.html#AmberSpyglass">Pullman, Philip - The Amber Spyglass (part 3/3 His Dark Materials)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/books-his-dark-materials-etc-philip.html">Pullman, Philip - His Dark Materials (trilogy)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/books-his-dark-materials-etc-philip.html#Lyra">Pullman, Philip - Lyra's Oxford (sequel to His Dark Materials)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/books-his-dark-materials-etc-philip.html#NorthernLights">Pullman, Philip - Northern Lights<br />(aka The Golden Compass - part 1/3 His Dark Materials)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/books-his-dark-materials-etc-philip.html#North">Pullman, Philip - Once Upon A Time In The North<br />(prequel to His Dark Materials)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/books-his-dark-materials-etc-philip.html#SubtleKnife">Pullman, Philip - The Subtle Knife (part 2/3 His Dark Materials)</a></li><br /><br /><b>R</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/books-emily-strange-rob-reger-buzz.html">Reger, Rob & Parker, Buzz - Emily the Strange</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/05/quick-review-de-amazone-j-ritzerfeld.html">Ritzerfeld, J. - De Amazone</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/02/book-mary-roach-bonk.html">Roach, Mary - Bonk</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-brides-farewell-meg-rosoff.html">Rosoff, Meg - The Bride's Farewell</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-how-i-live-now-meg-rosoff.html">Rosoff, Meg - How I Live Now</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-just-in-case-meg-rosoff.html">Rosoff, Meg - Just In Case</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-what-i-was-meg-rosoff.html">Rosoff, Meg - What I Was</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/book-portnoys-complaint-philip-roth.html">Roth, Philip - Portnoy's Complaint</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find.html"><s>Rowling, J.K.</s> Scamander, Newt - Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them</a></li><li><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/thej2bee/tag/sync-read:+thbp">Rowling, J.K. - Harry Potter And The HalfBlood Prince</a><i>*(synchronized reading per chapter)</i></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-quidditch-through-ages.html"> <s>Rowling, J.K.</s> Whisp, Kennilworthy - Quidditch Through The Ages</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-tales-of-beedle-bard-jk-rowling.html">Rowling, J.K. - The Tales Of Beedle The Bard</a></li><br /><br /><b>S</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find.html"><s>Rowling, J.K.</s> Scamander, Newt - Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-manefeen-kjersti-scheen.html">Scheen, Kjersti - Månefeen (Maanmeisje)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/01/book-jippus-et-jannica-annie-mg-schmidt.html">Schmidt, Annie M.G. - Jippus et Jannica</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/10-word-reviews-how-do-you-like-them.html#Spruitje">Schutten, Jan Paul - De Wraak Van Het Spruitje</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-spijt-carry-slee.html">Slee, Carry - Spijt!</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/b-for-books-3-recommendations-1-not-so.html#KijkMe">Smith, Susan - Kijk Naar Me</a></li><br /><br /><b>T</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/05/quick-review-larmee-du-salut-abdellah.html">Taïa, Abdellah - L'armee Du Salut (Broederliefde)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-we-believe-glory-of.html#Onmacht">Tex, Charles Den - Onmacht</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-late-hector-kipling-david-thewlis.html">Thewlis, David - The Late Hector Kipling</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-de-gelukkige-klas-theo-thijssen.html">Thijssen, Theo - De Gelukkige Klas</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-our-tragic-universe-scarlett.html">Thomas, Scarlett - Our Tragic Universe</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/b-for-books-four-quick-reviews.html#Townes">Thomése, P.G. - Eerder Thuis Dan Townes</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-shadow-child-by-pg-thomse.html">Thomése, P.G. - Schaduwkind (Shadowchild)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-when-i-knew-robert-trachtenberg.html">Trachtenberg, Robert - When I Knew</a></li><br /><br /><b>V</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/09/10-word-reviews-grass-is-always-greener.html#Gras">Verbeke, Annelies - Groener Gras</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/09/10-word-reviews-grass-is-always-greener.html#ErkenMij">Verhoef, Ester - Erken Mij</a></li> <li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/b-for-books-four-quick-reviews.html#Perfect">Verhoef, Esther - De Perfecte Partner</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/book-problemski-hotel-dimitri-verhulst.html">Verhulst, Dimitri - Problemski Hotel</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-meneer-vissers-hellevaart-s.html">Vestdijk, Simon - Meneer Visser's Hellevaart (Mr. Visser's Perdition)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-bestiarium-by-jj-voskuil.html">Voskuil, J.J. - Bestiarium</a></li><br /><br /><b>W</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-we-believe-glory-of.html#Mobilehome">Weelden, Dirk van - Mobilhome</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/b-for-books-four-quick-reviews.html#Stik">Westerman, Frank - Stikvallei </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-quidditch-through-ages.html"> <s>Rowling, J.K.</s> Whisp, Kennilworthy - Quidditch Through The Ages</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-mrs-dalloway-virginia-woolf.html">Woolf, Virginia - Mrs Dalloway</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-womans-touch.html#Lighthouse">Woolf, Virginia - To The Lighthouse</a></li><br /><br /><b>X</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-xenophobes-guide-to-dutch.html">The Xenophobe's Guide To The Dutch</a></li><br /><br /><b>Y</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/03/quick-reviews-nilgun-yerli-hugo-claus.html#WegNL">Yerli, Nilgün - Weg Van Nederland</a></li><br /><br /><b>Z</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-we-believe-glory-of.html#Duel">Zwagerman, Joost - Duel</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/book-spelregels-by-floortje-zwigtman.html">Zwigtman, Floortje - Spelregels</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-spiegeljongen-floortje-zwigtman.html">Zwigtman, Floortje - Spiegeljongen</a></li><br /><br /><a name="Title"><b>REVIEWS LISTED by TITLE</b></a><br /><i>All reviews are in English. Titles of books are in original language and in Dutch (if read in translation) plus -if available- in English. Outside links to my bookcommunity are indicated with a *.</i><br /><br /><b>#</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-40-days-and-40-nights-matthew.html">40 Days and 40 Nights - Matthew Chapman</a></li><br /><br /><b>A</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/03/comic-fokke-sukke-het-afzien-van-2009.html">Het Afzien Van 2009 - Fokke & Sukke</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-dolfje-weerwolfje-paul-van-loon.html">Alfie The Werewolf (Dolfje Weerwolfje) - Paul van Loon</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-alle-verhalen-arthur-japin.html">Alle Verhalen - Arthur Japin</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/05/quick-review-de-amazone-j-ritzerfeld.html">De Amazone - J. Ritzerfeld</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/books-his-dark-materials-etc-philip.html#AmberSpyglass">The Amber Spyglass (part 3/3 His Dark Materials) - Philip Pullman</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/bookplay-angels-in-america-tony-kushner.html">Angels In America - Tony Kushner</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-anything-goes-john-barrowman.html">Anything Goes - John Barrowman</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-het-aquarium-van-walter-huijsmans.html">Het Aquarium van Walter Huijsmans - Bas Haring </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/05/quick-review-larmee-du-salut-abdellah.html">L'armee Du Salut - Abdellah Taïa</a></li><br /><br /><b>B</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-bad-girls-of-pulpfiction.html">Bad Girls Of Pulpfiction - Nancy Armstrong et al</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-bestiarium-by-jj-voskuil.html">Bestiarium - J.J. Voskuil</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/05/book-rik-mayall-bigger-than-hitler.html">Bigger Than Hitler, Better Than Christ - The Rik Mayall</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/bookbabble-in-absence-of-men-vs.html">Bij Afwezigheid Van Mannen - Philippe Besson</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-black-swan-green.html">Black Swan Green - David Mitchell</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/02/book-book-of-everything-guus-kuijer.html">Het Boek Van Alle Dingen - Guus Kuijer</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/02/book-mary-roach-bonk.html">Bonk - Mary Roach</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/02/book-book-of-everything-guus-kuijer.html">The Book Of Everything - Guus Kuijer</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-boy-james-hanley.html">Boy - James Hanley</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-boy-germain-greer.html">The Boy - Germaine Greer</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-breaktimedance-on-my-grave-aidan.html">Breaktime - Aidan Chambers</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-brides-farewell-meg-rosoff.html">The Bride's Farewell - Meg Rosoff</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/06/3-books-by-tonke-dragt.html#BriefKoning">De Brief Voor De Koning - Tonke Dragt</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/05/quick-review-larmee-du-salut-abdellah.html">Broederliefde - Abdellah Taïa</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/09/10-word-reviews-grass-is-always-greener.html#Bruid">De Bruid Staat Rechts Van U - Rudi van Dantzig</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-bruiloft-zonder-bruidspaar.html">Bruiloft Zonder Bruidspaar - Gerbrand Bakker</a></li><br /><br /><b>C</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/book-call-me-by-your-name-andr-aciman.html">Call Me By Your Name - André Aciman</a></li><br /><br /><b>D</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/06/book-dance-on-my-grave-by-aidan.html">Dance On My Grave - Aidan Chambers</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-dash-dingo-in-search-of-tasmanian.html">Dash & Dingo In Search Of The Tasmanian Tiger - Catt Ford & Sean Kennedy</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/09/books-death-note-tsugumi-ohba-writer.html">Death Note - Tsugumi Ohba (writer) & Takeshi Obata (artist)</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-slimme-vrouwen-smart-women-ten.html">Decamerone, Tien Verhalen: Slimme Vrouwen - Giovanni Boccaccio</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-descent-of-man-charles-darwin.html">The Descent Of Man - Charles Darwin</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-devils-chaplain-richard-dawkins.html">A Devil's Chaplain - Richard Dawkins</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-dolfje-weerwolfje-paul-van-loon.html">Dolfje Weerwolfje - Paul van Loon</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-het-dovemansorendieet-maarten-t.html">Het Dovemansorendieet - Maarten 't Hart</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-we-believe-glory-of.html#Duel">Duel - Joost Zwagerman</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-dwaalsporen-jacques-brooijmans.html">Dwaalsporen - Jacques Brooijmans </a></li><br /><br /><b>E</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/b-for-books-four-quick-reviews.html#Townes">Eerder Thuis Dan Townes - P.F. Thomese</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/books-emily-strange-rob-reger-buzz.html">Emily the Strange - Rob Reger & Buzz Parker </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-emperors-children-claire-messud.html">The Emperor's Children - Claire Messud</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/bookbabble-in-absence-of-men-vs.html">En l'absence des hommes - Philippe Besson</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/09/10-word-reviews-grass-is-always-greener.html#ErkenMij">Erken Mij - Esther Verhoef</a></li> <br /><br /><b>F</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find.html">Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them - <s>J.K. Rowling</s> Newt Scamander</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-female-chauvinist-pigs-ariel-levy.html">Female Chauvinist Pigs - Ariel Levy</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-female-eunuch-germaine-greer.html">The Female Eunuch - Germaine Greer</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-five-people-you-meet-in-heaven.html">The Five People You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-for-successful-life.html">For A Successful Life - Bas Haring</a></li><br /><br /><b>G</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/06/3-books-by-tonke-dragt.html#WildeWoud">Geheimen Van Het Wilde Woud - Tonke Dragt</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-de-gelukkige-klas-theo-thijssen.html">De Gelukkige Klas - Theo Thijssen</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/bookbabble-in-absence-of-men-vs.html">Geography Club - Brent Hartinger</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/02/booktodd-harris-goldman-girls-are.html">Girls Are Weirdos (but they smell pretty) - Todd Harris Goldman</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-god-delusion-richard-dawkins.html">The God Delusion - Richard Dawkins</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/books-his-dark-materials-etc-philip.html#NorthernLights">The Golden Compass (US-part 1/3 His Dark Materials) - Philip Pullman</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-good-omens-terry-pratchett-neil.html">Good Omens - Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-gospel-of-flying-spaghetti-monster.html">The Gospel Of The Flying Spaghetti Monster - Bobby Henderson</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/b-for-books-four-quick-reviews.html#Niemand">De Grammatica Van Een Niemand - Abdelkader Benali</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-greatest-show-on-earth-richard.html">The Greatest Show On Earth - Richard Dawkins </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/09/10-word-reviews-grass-is-always-greener.html#Gras">Groener Gras - Annelies Verbeke</a></li><br /><br /><b>H</b><br /><li><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/thej2bee/tag/sync-read:+thbp">Harry Potter And The HalfBlood Prince - J.K. Rowling</a><i>*(synchronized reading per chapter)</i></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-happiness-will-ferguson.html">Happiness™ - Will Ferguson</a></li><li><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/thej2bee/tag/sync-read: ahwosg">A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius - Dave Eggers</a><i>*(synchronized reading per chapter)</i></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/bookbabbles-cartoony-comedy-to-feed.html#Loesje">Heb Je In Je Hoofd Nog Ruimte Voor Waanzinnige Plannen - Loesje</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-her-fearful-symmetry-audrey.html">Her Fearful Symmetry - Audrey Niffenegger </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-hersenschimmen-j-bernlef.html">Hersenschimmen - J. Bernlef</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-het-zijn-net-mensen-joris.html">Het Zijn Net Mensen - Joris Luyendijk</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/06/book-son-frre-by-philippe-besson.html">His Brother - Philippe Besson</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/books-his-dark-materials-etc-philip.html">His Dark Materials (trilogy) - Philip Pullman</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-how-i-live-now-meg-rosoff.html">How I Live Now - Meg Rosoff </a></li><br /><br /><b>I</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-i-am-what-i-am-john-barrowman.html">I Am What I Am - John Barrowman</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/06/10-word-reviews-about-humans-and-other.html#JustInCase">Ik Heb Altijd Een Roos Klaar Staan Op Het Balkon, Voor Het Geval Dat - Loesje</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/bookbabble-in-absence-of-men-vs.html">In Absence Of Men - Philippe Besson</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-we-believe-glory-of.html#Wind">Inherit The Wind - Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee</a></li><br /><br /><b>J</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/06/book-dance-on-my-grave-by-aidan.html">Je Moet Dansen Op Mijn Graf - Aidan Chambers</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/01/book-jippus-et-jannica-annie-mg-schmidt.html">Jippus et Jannica - Annie M.G. Schmidt</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-just-in-case-meg-rosoff.html">Just In Case - Meg Rosoff </a></li><br /><br /><b>K</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/b-for-books-3-recommendations-1-not-so.html#KijkMe">Kijk Naar Me - Susan Smith</a></li><br /><br /><b>L</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/05/quick-review-laat-me-niet-alleen-renate.html">Laat Me Niet Alleen - Renate Dorrestein</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/bookbabbles-cartoony-comedy-to-feed.html#Chocola">The Lady And The Chocolate - Edward Monkton</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-last-night-at-twisted-river-john.html">Last Night At Twisted River - John Irving </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-late-hector-kipling-david-thewlis.html">The Late Hector Kipling - David Thewlis</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/b-for-books-3-recommendations-1-not-so.html#LiefdeLaat">De Liefde Komt Altijd Te Laat - Karel Glastra van Loon</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/b-for-books-3-recommendations-1-not-so.html#LiefsteVer">Liefste In De Verte - Jeroen Brouwers</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/books-his-dark-materials-etc-philip.html#Lyra">Lyra's Oxford (sequel to His Dark Materials) - Philip Pullman</a></li><br /><br /><b>M</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-majas-morsas-kompis-sambo-katarina.html">Majas Morsas Kompis Sambo - Katarina Kieri</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-manefeen-kjersti-scheen.html">Månefeen (Maanmeisje) - Kjersti Scheen</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/b-for-books-3-recommendations-1-not-so.html#Mannenwerk">Mannenwerk - Yvonne Kronenberg</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-mees-kees-in-de-gloria-mirjam.html">Mees Kees in de Gloria - Mirjam Oldenhave </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-meneer-vissers-hellevaart-s.html">Meneer Visser's Hellevaart - Simon Vestdijk</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-metamagical-themas-douglas-r.html">Metamagical Themas - Douglas R.Hofstadter</a>; <i>reviews by chapter:</i> <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-metamagical-themas-douglas-r.html#Science">Science</a>, <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-metamagical-themas-douglas-r.html#Numbers">Numbers</a>, <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-metamagical-themas-douglas-r.html#Sexism">Default sexism</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-mill-on-floss-george-eliot.html">The Mill On The Floss - George Eliot</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-meneer-vissers-hellevaart-s.html">Mr. Visser's Perdition - Simon Vestdijk</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-we-believe-glory-of.html#Mobilehome">Mobilhome - Dirk van Weelden</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-mrs-dalloway-virginia-woolf.html">Mrs Dalloway - Virginia Woolf</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-mystiek-lichaam-frans-kellendonk.html">Mystiek Lichaam - Frans Kellendonk</a></li><br /><br /><b>N</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/books-his-dark-materials-etc-philip.html#NorthernLights">Northern Lights (UK-part 1/3 His Dark Materials) - Philip Pullman</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-now-i-know-toll-bridge-aidan.html">Now I Know - Aidan Chambers</a></li><br /><br /><b>O</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/bookbabble-comparing-cicero-and-stephen.html">The Ode Less Traveled - Stephen Fry</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/10-word-reviews-how-do-you-like-them.html#Oeroeg">Oeroeg - Hella S. Haasse</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/books-his-dark-materials-etc-philip.html#North">Once Upon A Time In The North<br />(prequel to His Dark Materials) - Philip Pullman</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-we-believe-glory-of.html#Onmacht">Onmacht - Charles Den Tex</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/bookbabble-comparing-cicero-and-stephen.html">De Oratore - Cicero</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-origin-of-species-charles-darwin.html">The Origin Of Species - Charles Darwin</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-our-tragic-universe-scarlett.html">Our Tragic Universe - Scarlett Thomas</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-hersenschimmen-j-bernlef.html">Out Of Mind</a></li><br /><br /><b>P</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/b-for-books-four-quick-reviews.html#Perfect">De Perfecte Partner - Esther Verhoef</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-de-pianoman-by-bernlef.html">De Pianoman - Bernlef</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/06/10-word-reviews-about-humans-and-other.html#Piep">Piep - Midas Dekkers</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/book-portnoys-complaint-philip-roth.html">Portnoy's Complaint - Philip Roth</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-postcards-from-no-mans-land-aidan.html">Postcards From No Man's Land - Aidan Chambers</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/book-problemski-hotel-dimitri-verhulst.html">Problemski Hotel - Dimitri Verhulst</a></li><br /><br /><b>Q</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-quidditch-through-ages.html">Quidditch Through The Ages - <s>J.K. Rowling</s> Kennilworthy Whisp</a></li><br /><br /><b>R</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/book-red-carpets-and-other-banana-skins.html">Red Carpets And Other Banana Skins - Rupert Everett</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-de-revue-kees-t-hart.html">De Revue - Kees 't Hart</a></li><br /><br /><b>S</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-shadow-child-by-pg-thomse.html">Schaduwkind - P.G. Thomése</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-een-schitterend-gebrek-arthur.html">Een Schitterend Gebrek - Arthur Japin </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-shadow-child-by-pg-thomse.html">Shadow Child - P.G. Thomése</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/03/quick-reviews-nilgun-yerli-hugo-claus.html#SlaapW">Een Slaapwandeling - Hugo Claus</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-slimme-vrouwen-smart-women-ten.html">Slimme Vrouwen, Tien Verhalen Uit Decamerone - Giovanni Boccaccio</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-sneeuw-j-bernlef.html">Sneeuw - J. Bernlef</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-we-believe-glory-of.html#Sneeuwklank">De Klank Van Sneeuw - Arthur Japin</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-sneeuw-j-bernlef.html">Snow - J. Bernlef</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/06/book-son-frre-by-philippe-besson.html">Son Frère - Philippe Besson</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/book-spelregels-by-floortje-zwigtman.html">Spelregels - Floortje Zwigtman</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-spiegeljongen-floortje-zwigtman.html">Spiegeljongen - Floortje Zwigtman </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-spijt-carry-slee.html">Spijt! - Carry Slee </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/09/b-for-books-four-quick-reviews.html#Stik">Stikvallei - Frank Westerman</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/books-his-dark-materials-etc-philip.html#SubtleKnife">The Subtle Knife (part 2/3 His Dark Materials) - Philip Pullman</a></li><br /><br /><b>T</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/06/10-word-reviews-about-humans-and-other.html#Vlinders">Een Tafel Vol Vlinders - Tim Krabbé</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-tales-of-beedle-bard-jk-rowling.html">The Tales Of Beedle The Bard - J.K. Rowling</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-this-is-all-aidan-chambers.html">This Is All - Aidan Chambers</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-three-incestuous-sisters-audrey.html">The Three Incestuous Sisters - Audrey Niffenegger </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-tigers-and-devils-sean-kennedy.html">Tigers And Devils - Sean Kennedy</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/03/book-time-travelers-wife-by-audrey.html">The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-tin-toeval-guus-kuijer.html">Tin Toeval - Guus Kuijer </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-een-tipje-van-de-sluier-joris.html">Een Tipje Van De Sluier - Joris Luyendijk</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-womans-touch.html#Lighthouse">To The Lighthouse - Virginia Woolf</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-now-i-know-toll-bridge-aidan.html#TollBridge">The Toll Bridge - Aidan Chambers</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/03/book-de-tuin-der-onschuldigen-kristien.html">De Tuin Der Onschuldigen - Kristien Hemmerechts</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-tuesdays-with-morrie-mitch-albom.html">Tuesdays With Morrie - Mitch Albom </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/03/book-two-women-harry-mulisch.html">Twee Vrouwen - Harry Mulisch</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/03/book-two-women-harry-mulisch.html">Two Women - Harry Mulisch</a></li><br /><br /><b>V</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-de-verdronkene-by-margriet.html">De Verdronkene - Margriet de Moor</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/06/3-books-by-tonke-dragt.html#Tweelingbroers">Verhalen Van De Tweelingbroers - Tonke Dragt</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-veronika-decides-to-die-paulo.html">Veronika Decide Morrer - Paulo Coelho</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-veronika-decides-to-die-paulo.html">Veronika Decides To Die - Paulo Coelho</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-vlammen-hans-hagen.html">Vlammen - Hans Hagen</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-for-successful-life.html">Voor Een Succesvol Leven - Bas Haring</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-majas-morsas-kompis-sambo-katarina.html">De Vriend van de Vriendin van de Moeder van Maja - Katarina Kieri</a></li><br /><br /><b>W</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-wall-and-piece-banksy.html">Wall and Piece - Banksy </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/03/quick-reviews-nilgun-yerli-hugo-claus.html#WegNL">Weg Van Nederland - Nilgün Yerli</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-what-i-was-meg-rosoff.html">What I Was - Meg Rosoff </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-when-i-knew-robert-trachtenberg.html">When I Knew - Robert Trachtenberg</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-wild-things-david-eggers.html">The Wild Things - David Eggers </a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-wings-of-equity-sean-kennedy.html">Wings Of Equity - Sean Kennedy</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/10-word-reviews-how-do-you-like-them.html#Spruitje">De Wraak Van Het Spruitje - Jan Paul Schutten</a></li><br /><br /><b>X</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-xenophobes-guide-to-dutch.html">The Xenophobe's Guide To The Dutch</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-we-believe-glory-of.html#xkcd">xkcd: vol O - Randall Munroe</a></li><br /><br /><b>Y</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-womans-touch.html#Weather">Yesterday's Weather - Anne Enright</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/03/book-you-remind-me-of-me-by-dan-chaon.html">You Remind Me Of Me - Dan Chaon</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-womans-touch.html#Yuri">Yuri Monogatari</a></li><br /><br /><b>Z</b><br /><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/06/book-son-frre-by-philippe-besson.html">Zijn Broer - Philippe Besson</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-zoals-dat-gaat-met-wonderen-arthur.html">Zoals Dat Gaat Met Wonderen - Arthur Japin</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/03/quick-reviews-nilgun-yerli-hugo-claus.html#ZwaarV">De Zwaardvis - Hugo Claus</a></li><li><a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-de-zwarte-met-het-witte-hart.html">De Zwarte Met Het Witte Hart - Arthur Japin</a></li>BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-50498505352920907952011-04-17T13:00:00.000+02:002011-04-17T13:01:47.345+02:00BOOKS: Emily the Strange - Rob Reger & Buzz Parker<b>Series:</b> Emily the Strange<br /><b>Book 1:</b> Emily's Book of Strange<br /><b>Book 2:</b> Emily the Strange - Seeing Is Deceiving<br /><b>Author:</b> Rob Reger & Buzz Parker<br /><b>Genre: </b> graphic novella<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Chronicle Books 2001/2003<br /><b>Pages:</b> Hardcover 32<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 8/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Images in black, white and red with glossy highlights show cartoongirl Emily giving her point of view on life</i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree Review</b><br />I'm of course years behind discovering <a href="http://www.emilystrange.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/9/9/Who-is-Emily-the-Strange">Emily the Strange</a>, I understand she was all the rage in the nineties (of the last century;) I did see her around on buttons and shirts, but wasn't aware there were books. When I saw these books in the bargain bin, I was intrigued by the awesome graphic design. The use of colour and space is amazing and more interesting than the so called insights in text. But because I love seeing series on my bookshelfs, I'll probably add other parts if I find them.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-36180396004202752422011-04-17T12:57:00.001+02:002011-04-17T12:59:57.446+02:00BOOK: The Three Incestuous Sisters - Audrey Niffenegger<b>Title:</b> The Three Incestuous Sisters<br /><b>Author:</b> Audrey Niffenegger<br /><b>Genre: </b> Visual Novel (art)<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Random House (2004)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Hardcover, 176<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 8/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>A novel in pictures about three sisters and their complicated relationship with each other and the man that shows up in their lives.</i><br /><br /><b>Review</b><br />Now Audrey Niffenegger is worldfamous for her novel <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/03/book-time-travelers-wife-by-audrey.html">The Time Traveler's Wife</a>, but before she wrote that, she designed this huge artbook with a story, that she made and published with her friends. It's been rereleased after her breakthrough, but still hard to find. I'm glad I found it in a bookstore while I was in Iceland. <br />The illustrations cover the whole of the right page, while on the left are a few lines of text. The paintings have a primitive style and limited colours, which add to the gloom and doom of the story about the three sisters who fight to the death after a man comes into their lives. <br />I didn't catch the incestuous part of the title, but it is a rather messy story. All in all it fits with the Niffenegger books I already owned; stories about women who know what they want.<br />I like it.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-69025916329382570572011-04-17T12:53:00.001+02:002011-04-17T12:55:39.702+02:00BOOK: The Five People You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom<b>Title:</b> The Five People You Meet in Heaven<br /><b>Author:</b> Mitch Albom<br /><b>Genre: </b> Fiction<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Sphere, 2003<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 208<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 8/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Eighty-three year old Eddie dies and ends up in heaven, which is quite different from what he imagined.</i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree Review</b><br />Earlier I reviewed Mitch Albom's autobiographical debut <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-tuesdays-with-morrie-mitch-albom.html">Tuesdays with Morrie</a> and you may remember that didn't really appeal to me. But at the end of that book there was a preview of the first chapter of his first novel and I was charmed by that, so I decided to give the author another chance. <br />The Five People You Meet In Heaven begins with the tragic death of Eddie, the mechanic of a small amusement park on a pier. He wakes up in heaven, where he -indeed- meets five people. Each one of them has an explanation for him how to move forward. I found this idea a beautiful concept and Albom's execution is even better than I had expected. Very touching.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-32644061105294940902011-04-17T12:50:00.001+02:002011-04-17T12:51:59.871+02:00BOOK: Mrs Dalloway - Virginia Woolf<b>Title:</b> Mrs Dalloway<br /><b>Author:</b> Virginia Woolf<br /><b>Genre: </b> Novel<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Wordsworth Classics 2003 (1925)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 141<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 6/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>The 1920's: a day in the life of middle aged Clarrisa Dalloway, who's hosting a party tonight.</i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree Review</b><br />I noticed the lack of female authors on my readinglist and asked for recommendations online; more than one person mentioned Virginia Woolf and when I found a whole series of her books with delightful covers, I bought four of her classics. I decided to read them chronologically, so I started with Mrs Dalloway which was first published in 1925.<br /><br />It's the story of the middle aged Clarissa Dalloway who is getting ready to host an informal party at her house. While she is fixing her dress and keeping an eye on the staff's preparations, she reminisces about her childhood and thinks about how she met her husband. <br />In the mean time we also meet and follow a couple of other people, who are in one way or another involved with Mrs Dalloway, either in the past or present.<br />Each new scene is from another person's perspective and written in 'monologue interieur' or interior perspective. With twenty people walking around in London, all of them with their own -confused- thoughts, it got rather crowded in my brain.<br />The book is very well written and quite obviously a classic, but I found it very exhausting to read. There is no exterior explanation or description of any of the people and it's sometimes hard to distinguish between their thoughts. I did love the dialogues and it's good to read people basically have the same struggles with life, but I was very tired when I finished it.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-33016357622659809692011-04-17T12:47:00.001+02:002011-04-17T12:49:43.524+02:00BOOK: The Greatest Show On Earth - Richard Dawkins<b>Title:</b> The Greatest Show On Earth<br /><b>Author:</b> Richard Dawkins<br /><b>Genre: </b> Religion, Science<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Black Swan 2010 (2009)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 445<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 9/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Richard Dawkins explains the evidence in favor of the Theory of Evolution</i><br /><br /><b>Review</b><br />After reading <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-devils-chaplain-richard-dawkins.html">The Devil's Chaplain</a> and especially <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-god-delusion-richard-dawkins.html">The God Delusion</a> I'm a fan of Richard Dawkins. His background in biology is impressive and it serves him well in his explanations about evolution, but I mostly love him for his fight against religion and its dubious consequences.<br /><br />In The Greatest Show On Earth Dawkins offers a whole lot of evidence for the Theory of Evolution. He explains how available fossils prove beyond doubt how life evolved, but he also shows that even if we didn't have fossils, there is enough other scientific material to give us information about the development of life.<br />The missing link is not an argument against it, no matter how much creationists would like it to be.<br />A must read for everyone who wants to know more about life's history or those who love to get their points of view affirmed with a healthy dose of cynicism.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-3296030081817269392011-04-17T12:44:00.001+02:002011-04-17T12:46:19.954+02:00BOOK: The Bride's Farewell - Meg Rosoff<b>Title:</b> The Bride's Farewell<br /><b>Author:</b> Meg Rosoff<br /><b>Genre: </b> Teens<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Penguin, 2009<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 186<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 7/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Pell Ridley sneaks out of the house on the evening before her wedding and takes off with her horse to live life on her own.</i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree Review</b><br />While browsing in a bookstore in London I discovered Rosoff had written a new book. Since I had devoured her <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/search/label/Meg%20Rosoff">previous work</a>, I had to buy it. This is once again a completely different story and environment from her other books; this time it's about a young girl in fictitious middle ages.<br />Young Pell Ridley doesn't want to be confined by marriage, even if she would marry her best friend and longtime neighbour, so she leaves her family the night before her wedding. Unbeknown to her, her mute little brother Bean follows her. He refuses to go back home, so she drags him along on her journey. Pell wants to find a job, but that's not easy; her only talent is working with horses and that is considered a man's job. Plus no one is really eager to take responsibility for a single young woman and a silent (weird) child.<br />But eventually Pell meets a rough and mysterious stranger who is willing to give her a job...<br /><br />I had to get used to the seemingly imaginary era the story was set in and the sometimes curious tone of the story; it's mostly told from Pell's point of view but takes unsettling sidesteps to events she knows nothing about. (Without the "meanwhile, on the other side of town" introduction, it takes you out of the mainstory nevertheless.)<br />I like that not everything is explained though and it is an interesting read. If Rosoff is aiming to write as many different books as possible, she certainly succeeded so far. I wonder what she comes up with next.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-5663861163436025442011-04-17T12:41:00.001+02:002011-04-17T12:43:13.561+02:00BOOK: Our Tragic Universe - Scarlett Thomas<b>Title:</b> Our Tragic Universe<br /><b>Author:</b> Scarlett Thomas<br /><b>Genre: </b> Novel<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Canongate Books (2010)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Hardcover, 425<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 9/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Meg -still working on that big break through novel- has been living a quiet excistence with her unemployed boyfriend, whom she once dumped her first long term partner for. To pay the rent she writes mostly pulpfiction under the name of a ficticious sci-fi author. Occasionally she reviews scientific non-fiction. When she accidently receives a semi spiritual book to write about, it seems to inspire her to change her own life.</i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree Review</b><br />On my want-list because of a "if you love this author, you will like this one too" suggestion next to an article about <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2008/04/quick-review-black-swan-green.html">David Mitchell</a> and when I saw it in a shop in London I definitely had to buy it, because it looked absolutely gorgeous. This edition has a graphically designed hardcover in black and gold with -get this- BLACK PAGES. Very cool. As it turns out the story fits the presentation. My most beloved discovery of this year.<br /><br />Even though I constantly wanted to kick Meg into action, I had to keep reading to find out if she would recognize her own potential. I have little patience (and understanding) for people in failing relationships and the main-character isn't the only one in this book. But there are so many wonderful thoughts and insights and in the end the story even may have made me a little less judgemental about apparent losers. Maybe;)<br />Highly recommended.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-85456051886018235422011-04-17T12:38:00.001+02:002011-04-17T12:41:05.933+02:00BOOK: Wings Of Equity - Sean Kennedy<b>Title:</b> Wings Of Equity<br /><b>Author:</b> Sean Kennedy<br /><b>Genre: </b> Steampunk<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Dreamspinnerpress (2010)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 248<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 8/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Ezra Kneebone designed his own airship and hopes to build a whole fleet together with his best friend and pilot Jazz. The bounty on the head of a flying Robin Hood, known as Icarus, is just the kind of money they need to get their business started. But when Icarus saves his life, Ezra isn't so sure the man should be in jail, even if Icarus managed to steal... his heart. (hehehehehe)</i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree Review</b><br />A delightful steampunk novel. For those unfamiliar with the term: this means Victorian era elements in a science fiction setting. Kennedy manages to build a marvelous, yet believable world and the discriptions of the flying-machines and actions in the sky are very vivid. The dialogues are sparkling as usual and of course there is plenty of unresolved sexual tension between the men before they figure things out. It was refreshing to have two women in a 'longterm commited relationship' as supporting characters. Loved it.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-61860280536543543282011-04-17T12:36:00.000+02:002011-04-17T12:37:42.327+02:00BOOK: Majas Morsas Kompis Sambo - Katarina Kieri<b>Title:</b> De Vriend van de Vriendin van de Moeder van Maja<br />(The Boyfriend of the Friend of Maja's Mother)<br /><b>Original Title: </b>Majas Morsas Kompis Sambo<br /><b>Author:</b> Katarina Kieri<br /><b>Genre: </b> Short stories<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Van Goor (2009)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Hardcover, 143<br /><b>Language:</b> Read in Dutch, translated from Swedish<br /><b>Rating:</b> 7/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Seemingly random stories about a group of teenagers</i> <br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree Review</b><br />Bought for Children's bookweek and chosen for the awesome (translated) title and even better styling of the cover. Filled with individual stories from the point of view of Swedish teenagers who all turn out to be in the same school. It's up to the reader to make connections, even though the stories are stand alones. But as it turns out people's impressions of classmates are mostly misconceptions.<br />Very interesting construction and a message worth thinking about.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-21093892313052469682011-04-17T12:27:00.005+02:002011-04-17T12:53:02.946+02:0010 Word Reviews: A woman's touch<b>STATISTICS:</b><br /><a name="Yuri"><b>Title:</b> Yuri Monogatari</a><br /><b>Author:</b> Collection of several artists/authors<br /><b>Genre: </b> Manga (lesbian)<br /><b>Publisher:</b> ALC Publishing (2004)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 137<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 6/10<br /><b>5 WORDS SUMMARY:</b> <i>Manga comics with lesbian characters</i><br /><b>10 WORDS REVIEW</b><br />Had expected less cliches and shameful generalisations and better drawings<br /><br /><br /><b>STATISTICS:</b><br /><a name="Lighthouse"><b>Title:</b> To The Lighthouse</a><br /><b>Author:</b> Virginia Woolf<br /><b>Genre: </b> Novel<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Wordsworth Classics 2003 (1927)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback 154<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 6/10<br /><b>5 WORDS SUMMARY:</b> <i>Observations of family visiting beachhouse</i><br /><b>10 WORDS REVIEW</b><br />Lacks plot, instead confusing overdose of characters with internal monologues.<br /><br />Also see longer review about Woolf's debut <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-mrs-dalloway-virginia-woolf.html">Mrs Dalloway</a>.<br /><br /><br /><b>STATISTICS:</b><br /><a name="Weather"><b>Title:</b> Yesterday's Weather</a><br /><b>Author:</b> Anne Enright<br /><b>Genre: </b> Short stories<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Vintage Random House 2009<br /><b>Pages:</b> 306<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 7/10<br /><b>5 WORDS SUMMARY:</b> <i>Separate stories about various women</i><br /><b>10 WORDS REVIEW</b><br />Emotional peek into the different lives of every day womenBeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-13889597139200219602011-04-17T12:24:00.001+02:002011-04-17T12:25:47.853+02:00BOOK: Spijt! - Carry Slee<b>Title:</b> Spijt! (Regret!)<br /><b>Author:</b> Carry Slee <br /><b>Genre: </b> Children's, Teens, Drama<br /><b>Publisher:</b> FMB Uitgevers 2010 (1996)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Hardcover, 239<br /><b>Language:</b> Dutch<br /><b>Rating:</b> 8/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>David sees how Jochem is being bullied, but doesn't know what to do. Until things go very wrong.</i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree Review</b><br />Bought as part of a whole 'classic'-collection; all of Carry Slee's previous books are republished in beautiful hardcovers with black and white photos and golden titles; I just couldn't resist buying the whole series for Children's bookweek. This was her first book aimed at teenagers and it deals with a big issue: what do you do when someone in your class is being bullied? Do you speak up or do you keep quiet out of fear of being picked on yourself?<br />Confrontational and tougher than I had expected. Slee has got a magnificent grasp of the teen-lingo and I understand why she is the most popular Dutch author in the genre. And even though I couldn't handle another teenage drama right after this one, I am looking forward to reading the rest of her books.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-38999475378814962402011-04-17T12:22:00.000+02:002011-04-17T12:23:31.752+02:00BOOK: Mees Kees in de Gloria - Mirjam Oldenhave<b>Title:</b> Mees Kees in de Gloria (Hip Hip Hooray for Master Kees)<br /><b>Author:</b> Mirjam Oldenhave<br /><b>Genre: </b> Children's, Family<br /><b>Publisher:</b> CPNB Children's BookWeek 2010<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 91<br /><b>Language:</b> Dutch<br /><b>Rating:</b> 6/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Mees Kees is a teacher in training and hero of Tobias, who is trying to hide the problems at home. </i><br /><br /><lj-cut text="Spoilerfree Review"><b>Spoilerfree Review</b><br />This book was written especially for Children's bookweek, loosely inspired by this year's theme about visual arts. To my surprise it's part of a series; I thought authors had to write an original story when they were given the honour of this job. Oh well, at least Mees Kees has the kids in his class drawing images, so it fits the theme. But the maincharacter in this story is Tobias, who struggles with not getting enough attention at home. Mees Kees deals with this very subtly and manages to make Tobias open up. There is no clear ending or solution, I guess I have to buy the next book in the series to find out what happens. I won't. I liked the book, but I'm a little too old for this (yes, that's possible;).</lj-cut>BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-15321394655633522752011-04-17T12:20:00.001+02:002011-04-17T12:21:43.054+02:00BOOK: Last Night At Twisted River - John Irving<b>Title:</b> Last Night At Twisted River<br /><b>Author:</b> John Irving<br /><b>Genre: </b> novel, family<br /><b>Publisher:</b> De Bezige Bij (2009)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Hardcover, 554<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 7/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>In a story spanning five decades, we follow the lives of three generations, starting with a father and son's last night at Twisted River.</i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree Review</b><br />Even though John Irving's previous novel was a little disappointing, I stuck to my tradition of buying everything he writes. Last Night At Twisted River is once again a huge book with an extensive familyhistory. The story covers about fifty years and three generations with granddad, father and son in the lead. Women have a big influence on their life, but as is Irving's habit they mostly play their parts in the background. <br />I was happy to find this book an easier read than 'Until I Find You', which felt too personal to be comfortable. It was a relieve to see Irving return with the kind of story I love; ordinairy people dealing with their extraordinairy lives. A must for fans of his work.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-81902272729537894422011-04-17T12:15:00.002+02:002011-04-17T12:18:41.021+02:00BOOK: De Zwarte Met Het Witte Hart - Arthur Japin<b>Title:</b> De Zwarte Met Het Witte Hart (The Two Hearts of Kwasi Boachi)<br /><b>Author:</b> Arthur Japin<br /><b>Genre: </b> Novel, history, family<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Arbeiderspers (1997)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 430<br /><b>Language:</b> Dutch<br /><b>Rating:</b> 9/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Arthur Japin debut novel tells the formerly unknown story about two young princes from Ghana who were given to King William The First in the early nineteenth century. </i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree review</b><br />I ignored this first book by Arthur Japin for a long time and not just because the original Dutch title made me a little uncomfortable ("The Black Man With The White Heart"). Back then I had a strong prejudice against Mr. Japin himself for being an actor on a soap-opera. Only after he was commissioned to write a novel for bookweek in 2006 (a free gift to buyers of books), did I manage to change my preconceived notions of him as a writer. Since then I have caught up with all the books he wrote, but I saved The Two Hearts Of Kwasi Boachi until last. I'm glad I did, because now I was aware of Japin's different writing styles. Although this book is not one of his most difficult to read, it does require focus. <br />The story is told by Kwasi himself in a flashback style that's not completely chronological, so the reader needs to pay attention to the timeline to work out Kwasi's life experience. <br />The book is based on the true story of Kwasi and his cousin Kwame, two Ghanese princes who arrived in The Netherlands in 1837. They were being given to King William to show the good will of their own King (and father and uncle) in negotiations about a weapons sale and (illegal) slave trading. They were promised an education that would benefit their country when they would eventually return. <br />Kwame and Kwasi -who were about ten years old at the time- did go to school and were taken care of by the Dutch authorities, but the boys had a very different way of handling the situation. While Kwasi tried to adjust to the society that he was forced to live in, Kwame refused to deny his roots and kept longing to go back to Ghana. <br />It is this different point of view that the book makes you think about. Is Kwasi's way of dealing better than Kwame's? Is one way of living better than the other? The answer is not as clear cut as I initially thought. On both sides there are more issues to consider before you can pick a side, if that is possible at all.<br /><br />It is painful to read about the slave trade (that by then was illegal, but still in practice thanks to loopholes in the law) and about the boys struggling to find an identity in a society very different from the one they were born into. It's also a fascinating read with a lot of personal background information about Dutch history. Japin based his novel on the diaries of Kwame and official documents from the government. The story is not limited to the relationship between Africa and The Netherlands, but includes parts of Europe and Indonesia (The West Indies) as well. It overlaps with a famous Dutch novel by Multatuli (The Max Havelaar) that everyone in The Netherlands is required to read in highschool and I think the story of Kwasi and Kwami should also be included on the readinglist. Because despite, or more likely, thanks to the personal tone of voice it taught me a lot about my country and that dark period in our history.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-46010581015472800042011-04-17T12:12:00.002+02:002011-04-17T12:14:34.113+02:00BOOK: The Boy - Germaine Greer<b>Title:</b> De Jongen (The Boy)<br /><b>Author:</b> Germaine Greer<br /><b>Genre: </b> Art, History<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Meulenhoff 2003<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 256<br /><b>Language:</b> Dutch (translated from English)<br /><b>Rating:</b> 6/10 (text) 8/10 (photos)<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Essay about the different depictions of boys and young men in art through the ages; from the Roman era and the Middle Ages to modern day paintings and statues.</i><br /><br /><b>Review</b><br />I confess I bought this book because of the beautiful boy on the cover and the promise of more images of glorious men inside. That kind of proves Greer's point about the changed perception of men in art, which is only recently accepted as titillating for women. In the past, art was meant for and made by men, not to arouse but to admire (and possibly inspire). At least that's what I understood to be the main conclusion of this book.<br />Greer's language is rather scientific and requires a basic knowledge of arthistory. I've only had some arthistory in school and can't really judge her essay based on that, so I won't. I did find the writing a bit messy, but the book is filled with loads of beautiful paintings to compare or simply enjoy. <br />All in all it took me nearly two years to finish reading the whole book, but only looking at the pictures would have taken me less time and would have probably given me the same amount of satisfaction (maybe even more;).BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-68319427482065788382011-04-17T12:11:00.000+02:002011-04-17T12:12:14.902+02:00BOOK: Wall and Piece - Banksy<b>Title:</b> Wall and Piece<br /><b>Author:</b> Banksy<br /><b>Genre: </b> Art (Graffiti)<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Lebowski 2009 (2005)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 240<br /><b>Language:</b> Dutch (translated from English)<br /><b>Rating:</b> 9/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Photobook from graffiti artist Banksy, who became famous thanks to his thought provoking stencil art all over London.</i> <br /><br /><lj-cut text="Review"><b>Review</b><br />No one knows who he is, yet he is well known through his work. From the many examples in this book it's clear that Banksy is not simply a name-tagger; his graffiti artwork often expresses a big (political) idea and is more than merely decoration. Especially the stencils take a lot of preparation and planning.<br />Next to beautiful photos of his work, Banksy also offers comments on infamous actions (like putting up fake art in musea). It's a perfect coffeetablebook as it is a great book to leaf through and talk about.</lj-cut><br />Here is an example of his work: <a href="http://www.sharenator.com/Banksy_Graffiti_Art/banksy-16547.html">Kissing Policemen</a>.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-22817143025640312892011-04-17T12:07:00.002+02:002011-04-17T12:10:35.437+02:00BOOK: Alle Verhalen - Arthur Japin<b>Title:</b> Alle Verhalen<br /><b>Author:</b> Arthur Japin<br /><b>Genre: </b> Short stories<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Singel Pockets, 2005 (1996)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 412<br /><b>Language:</b> Dutch<br /><b>Rating:</b> 8/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>A collection of all stories written by Arthur Japin, including travelstories but also Magonian stories about his childhood, partly set in the imaginary world created by his father (who killed himself when Arthur was twelve).</i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree review</b><br />There are many different stories and it's hard to tell which parts are true personal anekdotes and which parts are made up. Most stories have a bitter twist and it's extra painful to realize that they feature actual people.<br />If you've read <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-zoals-dat-gaat-met-wonderen-arthur.html">Japin's diaries</a> you have some background information that is helpful. It doesn't make the stories hurt any less, but at least you know that the little boy who's the maincharacter in a lot of stories turns out to be okay. Although that one story about grown up Arthur meeting two of his 'characters' while traveling the GoldCoast makes you aware that reality doesn't always end with a happily ever after.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-81687039383254968432011-04-17T12:02:00.001+02:002011-04-17T12:06:38.572+02:00BOOK: Het Zijn Net Mensen - Joris Luyendijk<b>Title:</b> Het Zijn Net Mensen (People Like Us: Misrepresenting the Middle East*)<br /><b>Author:</b> Joris Luyendijk<br /><b>Genre: </b> Investigative journalism, politics, media<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Podium, 2006<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 220<br /><b>Language:</b> Dutch<br /><b>Rating:</b> 8/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>*Recently published in the UK with the new title: "Hello Everybody!: One Journalist’s Search for Truth in the Middle East". Joris Luyendijk was a correspondent in that area for five years. This book is not about what happened in the world during that time, but gives a peak behind the scenes of foreign journalism and the workings of the media. Joris discovers it's nearly impossible to gather reliable information both in democracies and in dictatorships.</i><br /><br /><b>Review</b><br />I was already aware that most of what we hear and see in the media is always a little bit tainted by the source of the news, but Joris' experiences are truely baffling. The way authorities regulate and orchestrate the amount of information and the hierarchic organisation of the newsmakers are a big influence on what exactly the people will get to hear.<br />An example of affecting perception: what if the foreign media would translate the names of Arabic newspapers and tv stations in their own language? So 'Life', 'The Middle East' and 'The Pyramids' in stead of 'Al Hayat', 'Sharq Al-Awsat' and 'Al-Ahram'. And not 'Al-Jazira', 'Al-Manara' and 'A-Mustagbal', but 'The Island', 'The Lighthouse' and 'The Future'. How much more humane doesn't that sound to western ears? And that's just on the outside. Of course there are usually more than two sides to each story, but wat if you can't even verify either? And what if all the news did already go through the spindoctors of both parties in the conflict before it gets out? Why don't journalists tell people when they are not sure whether their sources are reliable?<br /><br />I found it to be a depressing report, but it's definitely a book every alert newsreader should read and it should absolutely be part of the curriculum of any school of journalism.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-67572663732709841332011-04-17T12:00:00.000+02:002011-04-17T12:01:55.794+02:00BOOK: When I Knew - Robert Trachtenberg<b>Title:</b> When I Knew<br /><b>Author:</b> Robert Trachtenberg (Ed.)<br /><b>Genre: </b> Sexuality, Sociology<br /><b>Publisher:</b> ReganBooks, 2005<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 119<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 9/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Robert Trachtenberg asked people to tell him about the moment they knew they were gay.</i><br /><br /><b>Review</b><br />A beautifully designed book with old family pictures, short quotes, cartoons and personal stories from homosexual men and women about that first realisation. Often very touching, some were simply funny and others made me angry; all of them worth reading. Highly recommended.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-55780118465411085192011-04-17T11:58:00.001+02:002011-04-17T12:00:06.330+02:00BOOK: I Am What I Am - John Barrowman<b>Title:</b> I Am What I Am<br /><b>Author:</b> John Barrowman (with Carol E. Barrowman)<br /><b>Genre: </b> Autobiography<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Michael O'Mara Books Limited, 2009<br /><b>Pages:</b> Hardcover, 248<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 7/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Follow up to <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-anything-goes-john-barrowman.html">Anything Goes</a> with even more personal anekdotes about John's life on and off screen.</i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree review</b><br />Not as revealing as his first book, but just as much fun to read. I once again adored the stories about his family, friends and fellow famous people. John talks a lot about Torchwood and the talentshows he was a judge for (musicals Joseph and Maria for instance) which is possibly more enjoyable if you have seen the shows. But for fans of John an absolute must have. If only for all the photos that are included.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-70269925124962409222011-04-17T11:54:00.002+02:002011-04-17T11:57:32.315+02:00BOOK: Dwaalsporen - Jacques Brooijmans<b>Title:</b> Dwaalsporen<br /><b>Author:</b> Jacques Brooijmans<br /><b>Genre: </b> Teens, Sexuality<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Clavis, 2001<br /><b>Pages:</b> Hardcover, 199<br /><b>Language:</b> Dutch<br /><b>Rating:</b> 7/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Joost and Daniël live in a fosterhome and become good friends, mostly because their situation at home is quite similar. They both have parents who struggle with life and they both feel different from other boys. Daniël often prefers to behave like a girl.</i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree review</b><br />The author obviously aimed to write for teenagers and for some reason tried to make it sound like the boys had this big adventure, which to me was a bit overdone.<br />Now the tension in the story has nothing to do with the complex subject of homosexuality/transvestism/transsexuality; the difference between those gender issues isn't even made clear. Instead this story focuses on Joost's memories of Daniël. Their history together is only slowly revealed and it's obvious you're supposed to think something REALLY BAD happened. Because of this big build up the ending could only be disappointing and that was indeed exactly as expected. <br />A missed opportunity that nevertheless needs a follow up.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-60019721815441977752011-04-17T11:48:00.001+02:002011-04-17T11:51:51.394+02:00BOOK: Een Schitterend Gebrek - Arthur Japin<b>Title:</b> Een Schitterend Gebrek (In Lucia's Eyes)<br /><b>Author:</b> Arthur Japin<br /><b>Genre: </b> novel, historic figures<br /><b>Publisher:</b> SingelPocket 2009 (2003)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback 239<br /><b>Language:</b> Dutch<br /><b>Rating:</b> 7/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>18th century Venice: 14 year old Lucia falls for 17 year old Casanova. For both of them it's their first big love, but then Lucia suddenly disappears and Casanova feels betrayed. Lucia's life takes a turn for the worst. What happened?</i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree review</b><br />It took me a while to understand who was telling the story, but as the English title reveals, that turned out to be Lucia looking back on her teenage experience. But she starts telling about her life somewhere in the middle, which was a little confusing. Through her eyes we learn how her running away influenced Casanova's view of women. <br />I didn't find the writing as accesible as the <a href="http://blj-bieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/10-word-reviews-we-believe-glory-of.html#Sneeuwklank">short stories by Japin</a> I read before and Lucia is not an easy girl to care about. I didn't like her decisions very much, even though she seems to be grown into a very smart woman. In the end I did find it to be a heartbreaking story, though.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255000977458600837.post-12651171260005076842011-04-17T11:46:00.000+02:002011-04-17T11:47:34.700+02:00BOOK: Tuesdays With Morrie - Mitch Albom<b>Title:</b> Tuesdays With Morrie<br /><b>Author:</b> Mitch Albom<br /><b>Genre: </b> non-fiction, death<br /><b>Publisher:</b> Sphere 2008 (1997)<br /><b>Pages:</b> Paperback, 210<br /><b>Language:</b> English<br /><b>Rating:</b> 7/10<br /><b>Summary:</b> <i>Fortysomething sportsjournalist Mitch Albom sees his old (and sick) sociology professor Morrie Schwartz on tv and decides to pay him a visit. They end up meeting every week for long conversations about life and death.</i><br /><br /><b>Spoilerfree review</b><br />Mitch has a very comfortable style of writing and he is not afraid to talk about his uncertainties and feelings; he admits he feels guilty about staying out of touch with Morrie for the past twenty years. The two of them have rather emotional and deep talks in which Morrie's deteriorating health and impending death are openly spoken about. Unfortunately I was too cynical to get attached to either of the men. I fear I'm heartless. I can see why people would love this book, but it was probably too personal for me to care, if that makes sense.BeeLikeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17862548020180253757noreply@blogger.com0